You can’t celebrate Blackness in America without acknowledging the soil it was rooted in and the seeds that were scattered across the globe. There’s a growing convo around Essence Fest feeling more “African” than “FBA, Foundational Black American,” and I hear the MESS. FBA culture isn’t just the sauce—the diaspora brought spices too. Let’s not act like we have to pick one. Here’s the MESSy truth: our stories don’t stop at the border. Jollof vs. jambalaya isn’t just a food debate—it’s a reflection of our shared survival, flavor, and fight. The diaspora isn’t here to replace FBA culture—it exists because of it. We’re not the same—but we’re connected. And any celebration of Blackness that forgets that… is missing the bigger picture. Let’s hold space for the full spectrum of the Black experience—rooted, global, and unapologetically rich. Dividing us with this kind of MESS is not productive! I enjoyed the festival for all parts, global economics, education, health, politics, business development, and to learn the new line dances! Let’s act like we have some sense and get off the internet with this MESS that isn’t uniting us! ✊🏾 #essencefest #richelieudennis #essence #carolinewanga #messinabottle #blackamerican #africanamerican #diaspora #foundationalblackamericans